[ This time its easy to wrap around Olivine, his old warm and protective. ]

If that's what you wanted, then I'd follow. And if staying here is what you want, then I'm glad to stay. I -- want to be your mate too. I haven't let myself admit that because it felt unfair to ask.

[ As Olivine keeps talking, his grip tightens. He...hears the undercurrent, if not the full details. ]

I keep worrying I've somehow inconvenienced you, but it seems like some divine hand gave us to each other when we both needed it most. I was...also falling into despair. I don't know how much I'd have fought if you were there to kill me.

[ He holds the other tight again, kissing his hair, this time not resisting the pleasant chill of the lessening knot tensing between them. ] This outcome was beyond my wildest imagination.